Resolved Would a new router be a good idea?

I have a Linksys wireless G router model WRT54G that is about 10 years old. While our desktop and our game console are hooked up to it with a wired connection, everything else is wireless (phones, laptops, ipads, thermostat, etc.) We've noticed in recent years that increasingly we have to reboot the router because we lose the connection. With Christmas coming, I'm wondering if a new router might help? Has the technology for routers changed enough in the last 10 years to justify a new router? If so, does anyone have any suggestions on what to get? I admittedly haven't paid any attention to router technology.

If it helps, I'm running Windows 7 Professional. We get our internet connection through our cable company.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Yes, it would be a very good idea to get a new router. Note that the wireless 802.11G protocol has long been superseded, first with 11N and now 11AC.

Most of your wireless devices are probably 11N though if really new, may be 11AC. In any case, each is backwards compatible. Your Ethernet connected devices may see some performance boost for local (LAN) tasks too since any new router will support 1Gbps (1000Mbps) networks while that WRT54G tops out at 100Mbps. Internet performance depends more on what you are paying for with your ISP contract.

But all your wireless devices should see a nice network performance boost and connections should be more reliable too.

I recommend a "dual-band" 11AC wireless router. And one with external antennas tend to provide better range flexibility.

I would avoid the budget models but you don't have to spend $400+ either - unless you are into some serious and large LAN parties.

I think any dual-band router here would serve you much better than what you have now. Generally, the more wireless devices you have that will be connected at the same time, the faster (and more expensive ) you want. And if you can move any of those devices to the 5GHz band, the better (most will be 2.4GHz which gets crowded).

The OS on your computers does not matter. Neither does your Internet connection. This new wireless router will go between your devices and your modem.

 

TWC (Time Warner Cable) did some upgrades in this area a year ago, and some of their customers upgraded their routers and experienced increased download speeds.

 

Looks like I have something to add to my Christmas wish list! Thanks for the advice.